BEVERLY HILLS, December 15, (THEWILL) – Nigerian artistes, Omah Lay and Tems have been released by the authorities in Uganda after they were arrested and charged for flouting Covid-19 guidelines in the country. They were arrested on Sunday.
According to the release order signed by Magistrate Okumu Jude Muwone, the charges against Omah Lay, Tems and her manager Muyiwa Awoniyi were dropped.
Court documents authorizing their release were shared by Ugandan celebrities on Tuesday.
The order for release of Awoniyi and Omah Lay read, “Whereas the Accused persons as Muyiwa Awoniyi and as Stanley Omah Didia, were charged with the offence of neglect act likely to spread of infectious disease, Section 171 of Penal Code Act.
“The charges against the accused as Stanley Omah Didia and as Muyiwa Awoniyi, have been withdrawn against them Vide Withdrawal Form Serial No. 4292 dated 15 December 2020
“This is to direct you to release As Muyiwa Awoniyi and Stanley Omah Didia, the said accused persons from your custody forthwith unless held on other charges.”
The release order for Tems read: “Whereas, the accused person Temilade Openiyi was charged with the offence of Neglect act likely to spread of infectious disease Section 171 of Penal Code Act.
“The charges against the accused Temilade Openiyi has been withdrawn against them Vide Withdrawal Form Serial No, 4292 dated 1st December 2020.
“This is to direct you to release the said Temilade Openiyi from your custody forthwith unless held on other charges.”
In her reaction, Chairman of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri noted that the arrested singers would return to Nigeria soon.
“I received Marshall and Valentine, working with @Omah_Lay and Tem’s record label. The good news is that they will soon be back”, she wrote on Twitter.
Also reacting, Afropop singer, Mr Eazi, took to his Twitter account on Tuesday to write that the issue has been settled.
He wrote: “Pleased to hear that My brothers and sisters are to be released & the case is resolved, Big love to everyone who worked & Special thanks to @adoniaayebare & The Government of Uganda, Chief Of Justice In Uganda. African relations must keep fostering strong!
“On the said issue, Promoters must adhere to Rules and Regulations & be held accountable for flouting these rules. We African Creatives get Little or no support, for the soft power & amount of Jobs we create! The sector must be looked at holistically! God bless Africa.”
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